REDISCOVER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
An Interview with the Author . . .
Never too early for a special Christmas story, author Sara Fitzgerald brings to us a heartwarming story of love, family, and hope in her book, Saving Savanna. Welcome Sara!
Please, tell us a little about yourself.
Please, tell us a little about yourself.
I am married to a
wonderful man and have a beautiful six-year-old daughter. I am a stay at home mom, sell AVON and write
books. I live in Salt Lake City. I love reading, writing, and spending time
with family and friends.
Did you plan to be a writer or did it just happen?
I always wanted to
be a writer since I was a child. I loved
reading and the wonderful advertures each book took me on. I was also extremely shy, so I thought
writing would be the perfect career for me; little did I know about marketing.
What is your favorite non-writing pastime?
Spending
time with my husband watching our favorite TV shows. I also love going on outings with my daughter
and reading her bedtime stories. I love
seeing my friends.
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have
you been able to overcome it?
Marketing. My publisher, Cedar Fort, has been a huge
blessing. I feel like the people and
company has been extremely supportive of me.
I feel like they care about their authors and will do everything they
can to help us succeed.
Is writing a full-time career for you? If not, how else
do you spend your work day?
No,
writing is not a full-time career for me.
I wish it was sometimes. But I
also love being a wife and mother. My
daughter is a miracle to me. Raising her
is the most important “Job” to me. I
also sell AVON and love it. My life seems hectic at times, but I love
it. I think I have a good balance right
now. Writing is my true passion, but I
think if I did it full-time I would be lonely and become isolated. AVON gets me out of my pajamas and out into
the world. And being a mom is the best
thing to ever happen to me, besides meeting and marrying my husband.
Do you have a favorite character? Who and why?
Savanna. She is so sweet and innocent.
Without giving it all away, please tell us a little
something about how the
main character is going to get through their biggest challenge.
Through his little
girl Christmas Wish.
What message do you hope readers take away from the
book?
What the true
meaning of Christmas is, and there is a chance to be with our loved ones again. And how much the Savior loves us.
Do you have to be alone or have quiet to write?
I
like to be alone when I write and have it quiet.
What has been your greatest pleasure or personal
success as an author?
Being named Writer
of the Year by the League of Utah Writers.
Does where you live or have places you’ve been
influenced your work?
Yes. Growing up in Utah and being a member in the
LDS Church has influenced my work.
Do you
believe in writer’s block? Has it ever happened to you?
Yes. Yes.
Favorite movie?
While
You Were Sleeping
Favorite color?
Pink
Favorite quote?
“Just When the
Caterpillar Thought the World was over It Became a Butterfly”
Is there
anything else you’d like to share with your reader’s today?
I
hope my readers experienced love and happiness this holiday season.
An Excerpt
Devan swallowed and then changed the subject. “We only have three days
left until Santa comes down our chimney. What do you want him to bring
you?”
“There’s only one thing I want from him,” she whispered, leaning toward him.
He forced a smile. “And what’s that?”
“I want Mommy back.”
The Giveaway!
Three copies of Saving Savanna in print will be gifted to three lucky commenters!
Simply comment for a chance to win!
Giveaway will end 11/9/12
Sorry, but this is open to the US only.
A Reader's Opinion
A tenderly told short story of a young girl and the father who struggles to fulfill a Christmas wish. My heart went out to Devan, who like anyone suffering loss, struggles with the sudden understanding that he's an only parent. While doing his best to be there for his daughter, he holds his own pain inside. It takes a lot of faith and love for him to get where he needs to be, not only for himself, but also for his daughter.
This is a quick and light read, but one with a lovely and touching message.
Note: There is a strong religious element to this short story.
Note: There is a strong religious element to this short story.
Sara Fitzgerald
Sara Fitzgerald was named the 2006 Writer of the Year for the League of
Utah Writers. She lives with her husband and daughter in Salt Lake City.
She loves the Christmas season.
